My partner and I are getting closer to an exchange on a house in Leeds and my mum and dad have transferred the 10% deposit to my . I am now told that as the deposit has been received from someone other than me my needs to make a notification to my lender. I am advised that, in also acting for the mortgage company he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I disclosed to the bank regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really necessary for this now to delay the deal?

Your is obliged to check with lender to ensure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. Your solicitor can only report this to your mortgage company if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

I am mortgaging my apartment in Leeds, does my lawyer need to be on the Solicitor panel?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the conveyancing panel, but would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in Leeds. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Leeds

Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier?

Over the last few months I have been searching for a ground for flat up to £305k and found one close by in Leeds I like with amenity areas and transport links nearby, however it only has 61 years on the lease. There is not much else in Leeds in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease may be a potential deal breaker. Discount the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the premises for at least 2 years you could request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for remortgage conveyancing in Leeds. I happened to stumble upon a web site which seems to have the perfect answer If there is a chance to get all formalities completed via web that would be ideal. Do I need to be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?